Property investment company to complement council's Kingsway plans

A property development and investment company is looking to complement Swansea Council's plans to regenerate Kingsway.

Swansea-based Hacer, who own the former Woolworth building on Oxford Street, are working with partners on a proposal to convert the property into residential accommodation.

Amanda Doherty, of Hacer, also says early discussions have taken place with the council to make sure their plans align with regeneration proposals for Kingsway as a whole.

As well as the former Woolworths building, Hacer is in talks to purchase a number of other buildings in the area.

Mrs Doherty said: "We're very encouraged by Swansea Council's plans to redevelop Kingsway and the city centre as a whole, and we're looking forward to playing a part in the unfolding regeneration story.

"Our plans for the former Woolworth building will build on the council's proposals to transform Kingsway into an employment district by creating more city centre accommodation and generating even more footfall for city centre businesses.

"We recognise how important it is for our plans to blend in with what the council is proposing to avoid any conflict in terms of appearance and use. This is why we'll be working in partnership with the council to ensure the combined schemes in the pipeline complement one-another for the benefit of local people, businesses and visitors in future."

The council's plans for Kingsway include one lane of traffic in each direction, as well as the introduction of more green spaces. Final plans that follow consultation will go to Cabinet for consideration later this week.

A Digital Village is also planned for Kingsway as part of a Swansea Bay City Region City Deal bid that's now with the UK Government for approval.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: "What Hacer are planning shows the level of confidence private sector businesses have in our plans for the Kingsway and the city centre as a whole.

"Vastly improving Kingsway's look and feel will create the kind of environment that will be needed to attract major employers who will combine there to create a new employment district for Swansea. As well as generating more spending in our city centre businesses, this plan will also open up thousands of high-quality jobs for local people.

"In combination with our regeneration plans for the St David's development site, this scheme will transform the city centre into a leading destination for business, jobs, urban living, retail and leisure."

Hacer is currently working on the regeneration of Aberafan House in Port Talbot, transforming empty office space into 41 apartments. The company also recently developed the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters in Llanelli.